تَجري بِأَعيُنِنا جَزاءً لِمَن كانَ كُفِرَ
Which sailed [over the flood waters] in Our sight, as a retribution for him who was repudiated.
EXEGESIS
Bi-aʿyuninā (in our sight) is a metaphor for close attention. Thus, in Our sight has been understood as: under Our command, under Our protection,[1] or under Our supervision.[2] Whilst this meaning could have also been achieved by using eye in the singular form, as is done in English when one says ‘I have my eye on you’, however the plural form is used to show increased attention and emphasis.[3]
Kufir (repudiated) is the passive voice of the verb kafara which has been used in several meanings in the Quran. One meaning is to be ungrateful for the bounties that have been bestowed upon one. In this verse, it would refer to Prophet Noah (a) because, as a blessing of God, he was unappreciated among his people. Based on this meaning, the verse would read: as a retribution for him who was unappreciated.[4] The more common understanding of kafara is to reject and disbelieve. In this context it would refer to how Prophet Noah (a) was repudiated, and how his people refused to believe that he was a prophet from Allah.[5]
EXPOSITION
The verse is seen as an indication as to why this ship, that was made out of regular planks and nails, survived the torrential storm. It was because of the supervision of Allah which is metaphorically described as sailing under Our sight.
To be under the supervision of Allah is to be the recipient of His special grace and attention. Throughout the Quran, reference to being under the sight of God is understood in this meaning.
Based on 11:37, the building of the ark was also done before Our eyes and thus the construction and the movement of the ship have both been declared as happening under the supervision of God (see also 23:27).
The same phrase has been used in a similar meaning when addressing the Holy Prophet: So submit patiently to the judgement of your Lord, for indeed you fare before Our eyes (innaka bi-aʿyuninā) (52:48).
INSIGHTS FROM HADITH
- Imam al-Ṣādiq (a) is reported to have said in a lengthy hadith: ‘Kufr in God’s book is of five types: there is kufr of denial (juḥūd), and it is of two kinds; and [the third type is] kufr by abandoning what God has commanded, and [the fourth type is] kufr by disavowal (barāʾah), and [the fifth] kufr is a denial of [God’s] blessings (niʿam).’[6]
REVIEW OF TAFSĪR LITERATURE
Some have said Our sight means ‘the sight of our chosen ones’ i.e. under the supervision of the angels.[7] In a similar vein, some have said it is a reference to those special servants of Allah that were aboard the ship.[8] This meaning is based on the fact that the word ʿayn has many meanings, one of which is exemplary figures or great personalities.[9] In this case, bi is to make the verb tajrī transitive, meaning: the ark was carrying people whom I regarded as great. The word ʿayn also means spring and thus another interpretation is that the ark: sailed over Our springs [that We had made to gush forth].[10]
INSIGHTS FROM OTHER TRADITIONS
- And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.[11]
[1] Safi, 5/101.
[2] Mizan, 19/68; Razi, 29/297.
[3] Ibn Ashur, 27/178.
[4] Safi, 5/101; Muhit, 10/40.
[5] Mizan, 19/68; Tabrisi, 9/286.
[6] Kafi, 2/389-391.
[7] Mizan, 19/68; Tibyan, 9/448.
[8] Amthal, 17/311.
[9] Amthal, 17/311.
[10] Muhit, 10/39.
[11] 2 Peter 2:5.